Shane Bond

Fast, furious and dashing, Shane Bond preyed on batsmen much like how James Bond did his enemies. In stark contrast to James' ultra-long run, Shane's career though action-packed was cut short by the recurrence of injuries. Had the injuries been kept at bay, the Kiwi special agent would have become one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket.

Despite landing on the surgeon's table more often than not, Bond refused to compromise on pace, a ploy, which raised as many eyebrows as it did praise. However, amid all the mishaps Bond's guts and firepower stood out.

In his pomp, he battered stumps and toes with yorkers, he even kept the best of batsmen on tenterhooks with his ability to swing the ball both ways at genuine pace. In fact, he was the first ever quick to break the 150kph barrier.

Interestingly, Bond reserved his best for New Zealand's arch-rivals - Australia. He captured three 5-fers against the Aussies with his searing yorkers to Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting proving the icing on the cake.

The recurrence of injuries - back problems, knee troubles, abdominal tear, stress fractures all relegated Bond to the sidelines. The back injury was was the most severe of the lot, so much so that a titanium wire was fixed to his spine for recovery and stabilization.

Ever the fighter, Bond cameback and played a starring role for New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup, taking 17 wickets at an impressive average of 17.94. Later in 2008, Bond forayed into the unofficial Indian Cricket League, which left in international career in jeopardy. However, he was handed a New Zealand central contract after snapping ties with the ICL.

In spite of a remodelled action, the injuries resurfaced, forcing him to call it a day shortly after his return to international cricket. Post retirement, Shane Bond served as the assistant coach of Central Stags before being named as New Zealand's bowling coach in 2012. In the interim, he had a crack at the Indian T20 League, featuring for Kolkata during the third season of the lucrative tournament.

Interesting facts:

1. Before becoming a cricketer, Bond served as a cop for the New Zealand police.

2. Bond was the third fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in ODIs.

By Deivarayan Muthu